Barrel electroplating machine



Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 1'7, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS INVENTOR ALBERT H. HANNON Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 1'7, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ALBERT H. HANNON BY 5 Q 7L U ATTORW EYS Oct.31, 1939'. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet s MAIL -INVENTOR ALBERT H. HANNON BY ATTORN EYS Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS ALBERT H. HANNON BY Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON' BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR ALBERT H. HANNON ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING' MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 I ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 IN VEN TOR ALBERT H. HANNON Oct. 31, 1939. A. H. HANNON BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 LVL'bINYU/f HA N NON A LBE R T 0a. 31, 1939., A. H. HANNON 2,177,982

BARREL ELECTROPLATING MACHINE Filed July 17, 1936 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 -|NVENTOR ALBERT H. HANNON BY =1 6 ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 31, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 16 Claims.

This invention relates to electroprocessing machines, and in particular, to automatic machines having rotatable barrels in which the work-pieces are tumbled as they are carried through the various treatment baths.

One object of this invention is to provide an electroprocessing machine wherein a plurality of perforated barrels is arranged on tilting shafts supported in brackets at intervals along a conveyor chain, together with apparatus for tilting these brackets so as to carry the barrels over the partitions between the various tanks.

Another object is to provide electroprocessing apparatus having work-holding barrels with perforated walls, the bottom of each barrel being formed in such a manner as to impart an additional tumbling motion to the work-pieces as the barrel is rotated, the rotating means consisting preferably of rotatable screws extending along the sides of the machine and engaging worm gears mounted on the barrel shafts.

Another object is to provide such a machine wherein the brackets for supporting the barrels are provided with a plurality of rollers adapted to travel in a supporting guideway, thereby supporting the conveyor chain which is attached to the bracket, this bracket also preferably having rollers at its upper part engaging the chain guide on the outside wall thereof, immediately adjacent the conveyor chain.

Another object is to provide an electroprocessing machine including a plurality of perforated barrels mounted on shafts rotatably and tiltably supported by brackets arranged at intervals along the conveyor chain, the machine being provided with movable transfer members adapted to engage the work carriers upon which the barrels are mounted and force them outwardly, thereby lifting the barrels over the partitions between the various tanks, the tanks at their unloading and loading ends being preferably provided with guide rails which engage the carrier arms and force them and their barrels upwardly into the unloading position of the barrels, and then downwardly into the loading position thereof.

Another object is to provide a container for objects to be plated consisting of a perforated barrel, preferably of frusto-conical form, having a bottom which is given a special form arranged to impart an additional turning and tumbling motion to the work-pieces as the barrel rotates while it is being carried forwardly through the solutions, and also to keep the solutions stirred up so as to bring about a uniform plating action.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the left-hand end of the electroprocessing machine of this invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation, similar to Figure 1, but of the right-hand end of the machine. 5

Figure 3 is a left-hand end elevation of the machine shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section through the left-hand end of the machine shown in Figure 1. 10

Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal section, similar to Figure 4, but through the right-hand end of the machine as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a vertical cross section along the line 6-6 of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section through the machine, taken along the line 1-1 of Figure 4, showing the lifting mechanism for lifting the work carriers and their barrels over the partitions between the tanks. 20

Figure 8 is an enlarged vertical section through one of the work carrier barrels and its supporting structure.

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the work carrier barrel shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a wiring diagram of the electrical control circuit employed in the electroprocessing machine of this invention.

General construction 30 Referring to the drawings in detail, Figures 1 and 2 show the electroprocessing machine of this invention as mounted upon end posts l0 and II and intermediate posts l2, l3 and [4. These posts are mounted upon stanchions l5, which in 35 turn, rest in sockets i6 secured to the bottom cross members ii. The latter are preferably of channel cross section and rest upon the floor of the building in which the machine is located. The bottom cross members I! also serve to sup- 4 port the tank assembly, generally designated H3.

The tank assembly I 8 consists of a series of tanks or a single tank with a series of partitions, the assembly being in approximate U-shape form. The mechanism supported by the stan- 45 chions i5 and posts [0 to M is arranged within the arms of the tank assembly l8, the circular portion of the tank passing around one end of the machine. The open end of the U-shaped tank is employed, respectively, for loading the Workpieces and for unloading the processed workpieces. The tank assembly is divided transversely at various points by partitions l9, transfer mechanism being provded, as hereinafter explained, for transferring the work-pieces over support certain parts of the transfer and lifting mechanism, as hereinafter explained. The clamping members 88 are secured to the lateral extensions 8| in any suitable manner, as by the cap screws 34.

Horizontal conveyor and carrier arm construction The horizontal conveying mechanism of the machine is driven by a motor 88 (Figure 1) mounted upon the brackets 88, which in turn, is supported upon the base plate 88 secured to the chain guides 38. The motor shaft 4! enters a geared reduction unit, generally designated 42, a train of gears therein reducing the speed of the motor. The output shaft 5t carries a pinion 52 which drives a gear 53 upon the shaft 54, the latter being rotatably mounted in the bearing bushing 55 mounted in the bearing support 58.

A thrust bearing 51 sustains longitudinal thrusts along the shaft 54, and immediately adjacent thereto is a bevel pinion 58. The latter drives a bevel gear 58 attached to the shear pin hub 88, within which is the hub iii of the sprocket 82. Within the hub 64 is a bearing bushing 88, supported upon a tubular shaft 88 having an oiling reservoir 85 for supplying oil to the bushing 58 by way of the apertures 88. The thrust bearing 81 is arranged to sustain vertical thrusts and the weight of the bevel gear 58 and sprocket 82. Shear pins 88 drivingly interconnect the shear pin hub 88 of the bevel gear 58 and the sprocket 82, these pins 88 being adapted to be sheared off in case of a jamming of the mechanism, thereby severing the driving connection and preventing damage to the machinery.

Below the thrust bearing 81 is a bracket 89 (Figure 4), having an arcuate rail 18 passing around the end of the machine. Engaging this rail 18 is a roller 1I surrounding an insulating sleeve 12 within which is a pin 18 seated in a bore 14 in the inner end of the carrier arm 15. The carrier arm 15 is likewise provided with a bronze contact pad 15 universally mounted thereon, as at 11, and connected thereto by the flexible cable 18. The contact pad 18 serves to engage the cathode rail 18 (Figure 1), the latter being connected at the connection 88 to the line running to the negative pole of the generator. In this manner current is conveyed from the cathode rail 18 to the carrier arm 15.

The work carrier arm 15 is pivotally mounted upon the rod 84 (Figure 3), supported in the chain bracket 85. The latter is connected by a link 85 to the side plates of the conveyor chain 81, driven by the sprocket 62. The chain bracket 85 is provided with upper rollers 85a and also provided at its lower portion with a pair of pins 88 which carry rollers 89. Each chain guide 38 (Figure 6) has an upper portion 8|, partially surrounding the conveyor chain 81, and a lower portion 92 bent to form a channel-like rail in which the roller 89 is adapted to travel. In this manner the chain guide 88 serves to guide the chain 81 as well as to support the weight thereof by way of the chain bracket 85 and its associated roller 89 (Figures 6 and '1).

The conveyor chain 81 pursues an orbital path around the central portion of the machine, and at the end opposite the sprocket 82 is supported by an idler sprocket H88. The latter is provided with a bearing bushing IN by which it is rotatbly supported upon a vertical shaft I82 This shaft is mounted at the end of a slide I83, which is adapted to reciprocate in guideways I84 for the purpose of tightening or loosening the cenveyor chain 81. This adjustment is obtained by rotating a screw I85 which passes through threaded projections I88 and I81 on the slide I88 and guideways I84, respectively.

The lifting mechanism whereby the carrier arms 15 are elevated to lift the work-piece racks over the partitions between tanks is driven by the cam-driving motor II8 (Figure 5), the drive shaft III of which enters the geared reduction unit H2 and drives the output shaft II8 thereof through a train of gears. The output shaft IE8 carries a pinion I22 which meshes with a gear I23 upon the cam shaft 628, this being journalled, as at I25, in the various vertical posts S8 to E4. The cam shaft I28 is provided with a plurality of cams H26 at intervals along the shaft, these cams being formed in halves and bolted together around the cam shaft ltd.

The cams 928 are roughly heart-shaped and are engaged by grooved rollers i2? mounted on pins I28. Each pin R28 is mounted in one arm I29 of a Y-shaped lever I88, another arm HI of which (Figures '7, 8 and 9) is pivotally mounted upon the shaft 82. Apad I84 is secured, as at I88, touthe remaining arm I82 of the Y-shaped lever I8 As the cams I28 are rotated by the rotation of the cam shaft I24, the rollers I21 move upwardly and cause the Y-shaped levers I38 to move out wardly, and with them the pads 88%. In this manner the rollers 1| are engaged and pushed upwardly by the pads I 86, thereby raising the carrier arms 15 and the work-pieces supported by them. As the cam I28 continues to rotate, the rollers I21 move into the indented. portion I48 thereof, causing the U-shaped arms I88 to re cede, thereby lowering the work carrier arms 15. Between the transfer positions the rollers ll roll along against the rails or roller tracks 18, these being supported along the sides of the machine by the brackets I4! secured thereto (Figure 4) and having their opposite ends resting upon the stationary shafts 32.

The work carrier arm 15 is pivotally mounted upon the rod I88 supported by the chain bracket 85. The work carrier arm 15, however, is insulated from its pivot rod I88 by means of the insulating bushing 88 surrounding the pivot rod I88. Mounted in the bore 8| of the work carrier arm 15 is a shaft 82 having anti-friction bearings 88, arranged to rotatably support a sleeve 84 having a worm gear 85 mounted thereon. Mounted on the sleeve 84 is the head 88 of a work-carrying barrel, generally designated H4, and having retaining rods II5 for holding the frusto-conical perforated body portions H8 in engagement with the barrel head 88. The barrel H4 is provided with a bottom consisting of two portions H1 and I I8, tilted at an angle to one another. By this tilted construction the workpieces within the barrel II4 are given an additional tumbling eflect, resulting in a screw-like motion'as the barrel is rotated while it is being carried forwardly through the various tanks.

The sides II8 and the bottom portions Ill and III of the barrel Illare of heavy perforated metal, and rubber-coveredso as to permit the solution to pass through the perforations without injuring the material of which the barrel is constructed. To the lower end of the shaft 82 is attached a holder II8 for a chain-like flexible member I20. In this manner the chain-like member I20 conducts electricity from the work carrier 15, by way of the shaft 82, to the articles in the barrel III. To prevent the escape of electricity through the worm gears 85 the hubs thereof are provided with an insulating bushing I 2I between the hub and the sleeve 84 upon which the hub is mounted.

Rotatably supported upon brackets I42 extending laterally from the; vertical posts I to I4 are screw shafts I43, driven-by a sprocket chain I ll engaging sprockets I45 upon the screw shafts I43 (Figure 6). The sprocket chain I passes over idler sprockets I48 and around a drive sprocket I41 mounted on the output shaft Ifla of a reduction gear box I48, to which is connected the driving motor I49 (Figures 1 and 4). At its right-hand end the rail 10 (Figure 2) is bent upwardly, as at 224, so that it causes the work carrier arm 15 and its barrel to be elevated into the unloading position. At the very ends of the machine the rail 10 is brought inwardly, as at 225, so that the work carrier is permitted to assume a vertical position for loading. Elsewhere than at its ends the barrels and their work carrier arms are elevated by the positive lifter pads I34 actuated by the cams I80.

Electrical circuit and electrical elements The electrical circuit in the present machine is arranged to control the operation of the chain driving motor 38 and cam shaft driving motor IIO so as to cause the chain 81 to move the carrier arms 15 until they approach a partition between the various tanks. At this point the electrical control system comes into operation to halt the chain driving motor 38 and chain 81, bringing the carrier arm 15 to rest. When this occurs the electrical control system brings the cam driving motor H0 into operation to move the lifting arms I30 and lift the carrier arms 15 vertically until the work baskets are safely clear of the partitions.

The control system then comes into action to re-start the chain driving motor 38 and operate the chain 81 to move the elevated carrier arms 15 by such a distance as will carry them beyond the partitions, whereupon the control circuit again comes into play to halt the horizontal motion of the chain 81. The control circuit then operates the cam driving motor II 0 to retract the lifting arms I30 and lower the work carriers 15 and their contents into the next tank or tank section. The control system finally comes into play again when the lowering has been accomplished, causing the chain driving motor 38 and chain 81 to re-start and move the work carrier arms 15 horizontally until they arrive at the next partition, whereupon this cycle of operations is repeated.

The electrical circuit required to accomplish this operation is shown in Figure 10. This circuit consists primarily of three main assemblies or subcircuits, namely, an intermittent control circuit, generally designated I50, a synchronizing circuit, generally designated II, and a safety circuit, generally designated I52. As will be subsequently pointed out, certain switches in the intermittent control circuit are located within the dotted lines inolosing the safety circuit I52, these switches being located therewithin i'or purposes of convenience because they are operated by. the same cams which operate the safety circuit switches.

The intermittent control circuit I50 provides 3 control of the duration of the stopping period of the machine, together with overload and novoitage relays for the chain driving motor 38 and the cam driving motor H0. The synchronizing circuit I5I maintains the two motors 38 and H0 in proper relationship with each other. The safety circuit I52 is normally dormant and comes into play only when the various elements of the machine get out of step, or an accident occurs which throws the elements out of their proper timing. When such an abnormal situation arises the safety circuit I52 comes into play to stop the chain driving motor 38 and the cam driving motor IIO to prevent damage to the mechanism, such as might occur by a collision between the work carrier arms 15 and the lifting arms I30 if the latter had not returned to their positions before they approach the former.

The intermittent control circuit I50 contains a standard type magnetic motor starter, generally designated I53, having an operating coil I54 which operates an armature I55 having a cross bar I58 with switch bars I51, I58, I58 and I60, arranged to bridge four pairs of contacts I8I to I68, inclusive. To the contacts I6I, I63 and E65 are joined the main lines I69, I10 and Ill, respectively. These main lines convey the current from the current mains to the control circuit, and a manual line switch (not shown), with the usual fuses, may be inserted for rendering the entire circuit manually inoperative.

The motor starter I53 is also provided with overload thermo-relays I12 and I 13, having armatures I14 and I15, operated by the coils I16 and Ill. Upon an excessive load being maintained for any considerable period of time, these thermo-relays come into operation to break the circuit in the holding coil I54 and cause the member I53 to fall out, stopping the motors. The thermo-relays I12 and I13 may be of any suitable type, such relays being known to those skilled in the art. These relays may be re-set manually a few minutes after the motors have stopped. As will be subsequently seen, the contacts I81 and W8 operate a holding circuit for maintaining the energization of the operating coil I54 when the starting button I18 is released by the operator.

Associated with the motor starter I53 in the intermittent control circuit I 50 is a timing relay. generally designated I80, of any suitable type, such as known to those siklled in the art. This timing relay is provided with a three-pole mercury switch I8I adapted to be tilted to and fro by a timing motor (not shown) at the end of its operating period. When current is supplied to the holding coils I82 and motor coils I83, these operate an armature to bring the timing motor into operative engagement with the timing mechanism, such as a train of gears, which after a predetermined time, tips the mercury switch I8I. In the meantime, in the present invention, a pawl is operated by the armature of the holding coils to engage the train of gears so that the motor which is connected in multiple with these holding coils, drives the train of gears, and after a predetermined time tips the mercury switch. The details of this timing relay in themselves form no part of the present invention, and any suitable timing device may be used.

The mercury switch I8I is provided with three poles I84, I85 and I86, and so constructed that the contacts I85 and I84 must make before contacts I85 and I86 break. One. side of the holding coils I82 is connected to the terminal I81. The poles I84 and I85 are connected, respectively, to the terminals I88 and I89, whereas the remaining side of the holding coils I82 is connected to the terminal I90. The pole I86 is connected to a contact I9I arranged opposite a contact I92, connected to one side of the holding coils I83. Upon the energization of the holding coils I82 and I83, the switch blade I93 is operated to con-. tact the mercury switch pole I86 to the terminal I81, the latter being otherwise connected to the motor coils I83.

Likewise associated with the motor starter I53 and the timing relay I80 in the intermittent control circuit I50 is a magnetic contactor I95, having an operating coil I96 arranged, when energized, to operate an armature wt and move a cross bar l98 having switch blades I99, 208 and H. The magnetic contactor E95 is provided with eight contacts, 202 to 209, inclusive. The energization of the holding coil i96 causes the switch blades I99 and. 2M to interconnect the contacts 202 and 203, also 2538 and 289, respectively, whereas the same motion breaks the connection between the contacts 206 and 28? by the separation therefrom of the switch blade 2%.

The starting button 018 is provided with contacts 288 and 2i 9, these being led out to terminals H2 and M3, respectively. A terminal is connected to one contact H5 or" a stop switch 296, the opposite contact Elli of which is connected, through a fuse 2 I8, to the contact I6i of the motor starter I53. Another fuse 2I9 is interposed in the line interconnecting the motor starter switch contact I63 and the timing relay terminal I90. A plurality of incandescent light bulbs 220 is likewise interposed in series in the line running from the fuse 2I9 to the contact 208 of the magnetic contactor I95. The lighting of these bulbs 220 indicates when the circuit is in operation. Additional starting and stopping switches MI and 222, respectively, may be connected to the terminals 2I2, 2I3 and 2I4 for the purpose of controlling the machine from a remote point. A manual switch 223 is likewise interposed in series with the operating coil I96 of the magnetic contactor I95 in order to disable the latter when it is desired to cut out the operation of the timing relay I80 and run the machine continuously. v

For purposes of convenience certain of the external connections of the magnetic contactor I95 are brought out to terminals 255, 255, 251, 258 and 259. The terminals 255 and 256 are connected to a single-throw mercury switch 260 operated by a member 26I having an operating roller 262, adapted to engage a cam 263. Similarly, the terminals 251 258 and 259 are connected to a double-throw mercury switch 264, so arranged as to close one pair of its contacts before opening the other pair, and. operated by a member 285 having a roller 266 engaging a cam 261. The cams 263 and 261 are mounted upon a cam shaft I24, and are shown in Figure 10 as separated from one another, although in practice they are preferably mounted side-by-side or combined with one another in an integral cam. The mercury switches 260 and 264 are shown as included within the safety circuit I52 for the sake of convenience, because the switch 260 is operated by the same cam which operates other switches used in connection with the safety circuit. These other switches will be described later.

The synchronizing circuit I5I consists of a mechanically operated switch assembly actuated by cams 230 and 23I, mounted upon the cam shaft I24 and associated with a tripping mechanism operated by a cam or the chain bracket roller 89. The cams 230 and 23I (Figure 10) are shown for convenience as separated from one another, whereas in the actual machine they are preferably placed side-by-side or made integral with one another. The mechanical switch assembly operated by these elements consists of three three-pole switches 232, 233 and 234, having push rods 235, 236 and 231. The push rods 235 and 231 are provided with rollers 238 and 239 for engaging the cams 230 and 23I, respectively. To the push rod 236 is pivoted a lever 240, having a tripping member 24I adapted to engage a notch 282 in the push rod 231. Connecting means, shown diagrammatically by the line 243, mechanically connects the lever 248 with the arm 244, having a roller 245 adapted to be engaged by the chain bracket roller 89 as the latter passes underneath the former during its horizontal motion around its orbital path. The switches 232, 233 and 236 are provided with switch blades 246 to 258, inclusive, adapted to bridge pairs of lines when they engage the latter.

One switch 234 governs the connection of the current to the chain driving motor 38, whereas the other two switches 232 and 233 are connected in multiple and govern the distribution of current to the cam driving motor IIO. Current to these switches is supplied from lines running to the motor starter i53. The switches 232, 233 and 234 are shown in a position of rest, with one of the cam motor switches 233 closed and the other switch 232 open. The chain motor switch 234 is also open.

The safety circuit I52 (Figure 10) is shown as including the switches 260 and 264. These switches, however, as previously stated, are associated with the intermittent control circuit I50 and are shown in the safety circuit I52 because they are actuated by the same cams which actuate the safety circuit switches. The safety circuit I52 is provided with three single-throw mercury switches 210, 2H and 212, actuated by the members 213, 214 and 215, having rollers 216, 211 and 218 arranged to be engaged by the chain bracket roller 89 as it moves in its orbital path around the machine.

Associated with the chain-operated mercury switches 210, 21I and 212 are the mercury switches operated by the cam 263. One mercury switch 219 is a double-throw switch operated by the member 280, having the roller 28I, whereas the other mercury switch 282 is a single-throw switch operated by the same member 26I which operates the mercury switch 260, previously described in connection with the intermittent control circuit. The safety circuit is a normally closed circuit and is connected to the intermittent control circuit at the terminals 2I3 and 2I4 on the righthand side of Figure 10, between the starting button I18 and stopping button 2&6.

The switch 210 is operated by the member 213 and roller 216 to insure the return of the lifter arm I30 and its pad I34 to their retracted positions, ready for the arrival of the next carrier arm 15. It will stop the machine in case the cam shaft motor should fail after the conveyor chain 81 has started forward, and before the lifter arm I30 and lifter pad I 38 have returned to their retracted position, thereby stopping the machine. before the following carrier arm runs in under the unretracted lifter pad I34. The switch 21I, on the other hand, is provided to insure that all of the carrier arms 15 are in their proper positions to set down or lower their workpieces so that the cam shaft I28 cannot revolve to lower the carrier arms without opening the circuit at the switch 282. The switch 21I, operated by the member 214 and roller 211, there fore insures that the carrier arms 15 shall be in their proper positions before they can be lowered.

The switch 212 provides against an overrun ofv the chain bracket roller 85. In this event the opening of its associated switch 219 will open the safety circuit I52 and stop the machine unless the cam shaft I24 and cam 263 are in their proper positions, and the left-hand contacts of the switch 219 closed. The arrangement of the switches 210, 21I, 212, 219 and 282 is such that if the chain bracket roller 89 opens one of the chain-operated switches 210, 21I or 212, the cam 203 maintains either of the switches 219 or 282 closed, each of the switches 21I and 212 having a cam-operated switch connected in multiple with it.

Should the machine cams be out of time, or the chain and carrier arms in incorrect position, such as might occur by the failure of either of the motors 38 or II 0, or other associated apparatus either mechanical or electrical, one of the switches 210, 21.I or 212 will be opened without its corresponding switch 219 or 282 being simultaneously closed. As each pair of switches is connected in series the circuit supplying current to the motor starter coil I54, under such circum-: stances, would be opened, thereby preventing the operation of the motor starter I53 and shutting off all current to both motors 38 and Mt. As the safety circuit I52 is in series with the stopping push button switch 2I6, the motor cannot again be started by merely pushing the starting push button. Before this can be done it is necessary to correct the source of the trouble by readjusting the timing mechanism or resetting the cams until the machine parts are again in properly timed and positioned relationships.

It will be understood that the machine of this invention will operate without the safety circuit I52, and the latter can be rendered inoperative merely by shortcircuiting the terminals H3 and 2I4. The safety circuit I52, however, provides the valuable feature of preventing the operation of the machine when the parts are out of their proper relationships with each other. Otherwise, the safety circuit I52 remains inactive because none of its switch contacts normally ever breaks a circuit unless the machine is thrown out of properly timed relationship for some reason.

Operation The mechanical operation of the machine has been described to some extent in connection with the construction of the various parts. The chain driving motor 38 is started by closing the motor starting switch I53, whereupon the cam shaft I24 revolves and the chain 81 starts moving in an orbital path, carrying with it the carrier arms 15. At the same time the revolving screw shafts I43 cause the barrels II4 to rotate as they move horizontally. As the carrier arms 15 arrive next to a partition the chain driving motor 38 will cease operating, and the chain 81 will come to a halt. By this time the carrier arm rollers 1i have arrived over the lifter pads I34. The electrical circuit now comes into operation to start the cam driving motor IEO to rotate the cam shaft I24 and the cams I25 so that the lifter arms I30 are actuated to push the lifter pads I34 outwardly and lift the carrier arms 15. When the carrier arms 15 reach. the tops of their positions, the

chain driving motor 88 is again operated to move the chain 81 and the carrier arms 15 horizontally over the partition. The chain driving motor 38 then stops and the cam driving motor IIIi is operated to lower the carrier arms 15 and their work-pieces into the next tank. When the lowering has been completed the cam driving motor I It stops, and the chain driving motor 38 restarts to move the chain 31 and the carrier arms 15 through the tanks toward the next partitions.

The operation of the electrical circuit for bringing about this mechanical operation has been partly described in connection with the description of the circuits. When the starting switch button I18 is depressed, closing the circuit be tween the terminals 2M? and H3 (Figure current is supplied from the lines I89 and I10 leading to the switch contacts IBI and IE3, through the fuses 2I8 and 2I9 to the actuating coil I58 of the motor starter I53, closing its switch blades I51, I58, I59 and IE0. The switch blade I68 interconnects the contacts I61 and I68, which are in series, with the terminals 251 and 258 connected to the double-throw mercury switch 284 operated by the cam 281. These elements, the stop switch 2I5 and contacts 208 and 201 form a holding circuit to keep the starter operating coil IB I energized after the starting button I18 is released, the terminals 251 and 258 being normally closed by the mercury switch 25% after partial rotation of the cam shaft.

As these terminals 251 and 258 are likewise adapted to be interconnected by the switch blade 20d of the magnetic contactor I95, the contacts 206 and 201 thereof being connected in multiple with one set of the contacts of the mercury switch 26 it will be seen that if the mercury switch 26% and the contactor switch blade 200 are both opened at the same time, or the stop button 2| 6 is pressed, the operating coil I54; of the motor starter I53 will be deenergized, thereby opening this circuit and causing either or both of the motors 38 and IIII operating at that time to be shut off. If, however, the double-throw mercury switch 264 is tipped when the magnetic contactor I95 has been actuated by the closing of the mercury switch 260 so that the contacts 205 and 201 are disconnected by the separation therefrom of the switch blade 209, and the contacts 208 and 209 are connected by the switch blade 20I of the magnetic contactor I95, the circuit through the terminals 208 and 209 will first be closed so as to actuate the coils of the timing relay I80. As the mercury switch 2'58 is tipped further the circuit, through the terminals 251 and 258, will be opened and the holding circuit of the magnetic starter I53 will accordingly be opened through the contacts I81 and 168 thereof, thereby deenergizing the starter operating coil I54 and allowing the motor starter I 53 to open.

Upon the actuation of the coils of the timing relay I80, in the manner above described, the switch blade I93 thereof, which is in series with the pole I86 of the mercury switch I8I, is closed upon the contact I 9|, thereby providing a holding circuit for the coils I82. When the cam shaft I24 rotates the cam 283 a predetermined distance from its rest position, such as seventy-five degrees, the mercury switch 260 is tipped, closing the circuit through the terminals 255 and 256, which actuate the operating coil I96 of the magnetic contactor I95 in series therewith. The closing of the magnetic contactor I95 closes the circuit through its contacts 202 and 203, also through the contacts 208 and 209, and opens the circuit through the contacts 206 and 201. The closing of the circuit through the contacts 202 and 203 closes a holding circuit to hold the magnetic contactor I95 in its closed position after an additional revolution of the cam 263 by a predetermined amount, such as one hundred and ninety degrees, the circuit through the contacts 255 and 256 being again opened by the opening of the mercury switch 260 before the rest position of the cam shaft I24 is again reached.

with the arrival of the cam shaft I24 at its rest position it brings the cam 261 into position to tip the mercury switch 264 so as to open the circuit through the right-hand set of contacts thereof, thereby opening the circuit through the terminals 251 and 258, deenergizing the motor starter operating coil I54 opening the motor starter I53. The same action closes the circuit through the left-hand contacts of the mercury switch 264, closing the circuit through the terminals 258 and 259 and starting the timing relay I80. Since the magnetic contactor I95 receives current from the motor side of the starter I53 only, it will immediately open when the motors are shut off, thereby closing the circuit through its contacts 206 and 201, and opening the circuit through its contacts 202 and 203, the m gnetic contactor I95 now being in the position -hown in Figure 10. This gives the same effect as tilting the mercury switch 264 back to its original position. After the timing relay I80 has operated for the predetermined period of time for which it is set, the mercury switch I8I associated with it is tipped, thereby closing the circuit through its poles I84 and I85. This action again closes the circuit through the operating coil i54 of the motor starting switch, and then opens the circuit between the poles I85 and I86 of the mercury switch i8I, thereby deenergizing both of the holding coils I82 and i83 and causing the timing relay I80 to become inoperative.

Since the holding circuit of the timing relay I80 is broken at the contacts I9I and I93 before the mercury switch I8I can again assume its normal position, the timing relay I80 will not again be energized until the circuit through the terminals 258 and 259 is again closed by a complete revolution of the cam shaft I24 and cam 261. The time setting of the timing relay I80 should preferably be more than two or three seconds, otherwise, the mercury switch I8I associated with it will be held in a position continually closing the circuit between the poles I85 and I84, thereby making the stop switch 2I6 inoperative.

The operation of the synchronizing circuit I5I is controlled by the action of the cams 230 and 23I on the cam shaft I24. When the starting switch I18 is pressed and the motor starter I53 closed, it will be seen from Figure 10 that only the cam driving motor H is connected to the current mains I69, I10 and "I. This causes the cam driving motor- IIO to operate, rotating the cam shaft I24 and raising the carrier arms 15. After a predetermined amount of rotation of this shaft I24, such as one hundred degrees, the carcameos rier arms 15 will be completely raised, whereupon the cam 23I operates to close the chain driving motor switch 234, thereby starting the chain driving motor 38 and causing the chain 81 to move the carrier arms 15 horizontally. As the chain bracket roller 89 travels out from underneath the synchronizing switch trip roller 245, the falling of this trip roller 245 will mechanically lock the chain switch 234 in a closed position and open the cam motor switch 233. By this time, however, the cam 230 has rotated but a sufficient' amount to raise the push rod 235 and close the auxiliary cam motor switch 232 so that for a short time both motors 38 and H0 will operate together.

After the cam shaft I24 and cam 230 rotate through an additional predetermined amount, such as one hundred and sixty degrees, the cam motor switch 232 will be opened, thereby stopping the cam driving motor IIO and halting the rotation of the cam shaft I24. Any further re volving of the cam shaft I24 would tend to lower the work carrier arms 15 on the machine. After the conveyor chain 81 has carried the carrier arms 15 the required distance, as governed by the spacing of the arms, the synchronizing switch trip roller 245 will again be operated, thereby opening the chain motor switch 234, stopping the horizontal motion of the conveyor chain 81 and closing the cam motor switch 233. This action again starts the cam motor H0 and causes the cam shaft I24 to rotate to lower the work carrier arms 15. The synchronizing switch circuit II is complete in itself, and the machine could be operated without either the intermittent or the safety control circuits.

The operation of the safety circuit has been sufficiently described in connection with the description of the circuit itself. Should the machine for any reason be out of time, one of the switches 210, 21I, 212, 219 or 282 will be opened without its corresponding switch being closed at the same time, thereby opening the circuit supplying current to the motor starter operating coil I54, and accordingly opening the motor starter I53 and causing both motors 38 and H0 to be deenergized. The starting button I18, under these circumstances, is ineffective to restart the machine because the safety circuit I52 is in series -with it. Accordingly, it is necessary to adjust the machine so that it is properly timed before the starting button I18 becomes effective to start the machine.

The three safety switches 210, 21I and 212, operated by the chain bracket roller 89, are mounted in such a position that in the raised position of the machine the roller 211 is engaged by the chain bracket roller 89 to hold the switch 21I in closed circuit. At the same time, however, the switch 282 is maintained in open circuit by the rotation of the cam 263 on the cam shaft I24. After the cam 283 has rotated through a predetermined amount, such as one hundred degrees, thereby raising the carrier arms 15 for forward travel, the cam 263 tilts the mercury switch 282 to close its contacts, thereby bridging the contacts of the switch 21I and permitting the chain bracket roller 89 to become disengaged from the roller 211 and open the switch 214 without opening the safety circuit. When this occurs, however, the roller 218 is immediately engaged by the chain bracket roller 89 to open the mercury switch 212.

Meanwhile, the left-hand contacts of the switch 219, connected in multiple with the contacts of the switch 212, have been closed by the rotation of the cam 263, thereby rendering the opening of the circuit in the chain-operated switch 212 ineflective to stop the machine. The right-hanol contacts of the switch 219, however, remain open, and until these are closed the subsequent chain bracket roller 89 cannot pass the roller 2216 of the switch 210 without stopping the machine.

However, after the cam shaft IN and the cam 263 have rotated a predetermined amount, such as two hundred degrees, the mercury switch 279 will again be operated to close the right-hand contacts thereof so that the chain bracket roller 89 is then permitted to engage the roller 2776 and operate its associatedswitch 270, thereby insuring the return of the lifter arm H8 and lifter pad i34 to their retracted positions, ready to receive the next carrier arm roller 'i 0.

Thus, by the three circuits shown in Figure 10 the various mechanical and electrical elements are caused to cooperate in timed relationship so that they operate at predetermined times and produce the predetermined results of lifting the carrier arms at the proper point, transporting these arms horizontally a predetermined amount, lowering the carrier arms so that the work-pieces pass into the next tank, and then moving the carrier arms forward horizontally until the foregoing cycle of operations is repeated. The safety circuit, as previously explained, is inoperative as long as the various elements of the machine are maintained in properly timed relationship. In the event that any circumstance arises which interferes with the proper timing of the machine, the safety circuit immediately becomes operative to stop the driving motors and prevent damage to the machine. The electrical safety circuit 452 is, therefore, entirely supplementary to the mechanical safety device consisting of the shear pins 68 associated with the chain driving sprocket 62.

The electrical circuit as described above is disclosed and claimed in my copending application, Ser. No. 91,169, filed July 17, 1936.

It will be understood that I desire to comprehend within my invention such modifications as come within the scope of the claims and the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank, means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, means for driving said horizontal conveyor, independent means for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and devices including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations for rendering said conveyor inoperative while rendering said raising mechanism operative.

2. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank, means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, means for driving said horizontal conveyor, independent means for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and devices including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one 01' said predetermined locations for rendering said conveyor inoperative while rendering said raising mechanism operative and means responsive to the raising of said container to a predetermined height for rendering said raising mechanism inoperative while rendering said conveyor operative.

3. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank, means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at pre determined locations along said tank, means for driving said horizontal conveyor, independent means for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and devices including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations for rendering said conveyor inoperative while rendering said raising mechanism operative, means responsive to the raising of said container to a predetermined height for rendering said raising mechanism inoperative while rendering said conveyor operative and means responsive to the arrival of the raised container at another predetermined location for rerendering said conveyor inoperative while rendering said lowering mechanism operative.

4. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank, means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, means for driving said horizontal conveyor, independent means for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and devices including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations forrendering said conveyor inoperative while rendering said raising mechanism operative, means responsive to the raising of said container to a predetermined height for rendering said raising mechanism inoperative while rendering said conveyor operative, means responsive to the arrival of the raised container at another predetermined location for rerendering said conveyor inoperative while rendering said lowering mechanism operative and means responsive to the lowering of said container to a predetermined level for rendering said lowering mechanism inoperative while rerendering said conveyor operative.

5. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank, means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, a motor for driving said horizontal conveyor, an independent motor for driving said raising and low ering mechanism; and an electric circuit including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations for deenergizing said conveyor motor while energizing said raising and lowering motor.

6. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank. means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, a motor for driving said horizontal conveyor, an independent motor for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and an electric circuit including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations for deenergizing said conveyor motor while energizing said raising and lowering motor and means responsive to the lifting of said container to a predetermined height for deenergizing said raising and lowering motor while reenergizing said conveyor motor.

7. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank. means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, a motor for driving said horizontal conveyor, an independent motor for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and an electric circuit including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations for deenergizing said conveyor motor while energizing said raising and lowering motor, means responsive to the lifting of said container to a predetermined height for deenergizing said raising and lowering motor while reenergizing said conveyor motor and means responsive to the arrival of the lifted container at another predetermined location for deenergizing said conveyor motor while reenergizing said raising and lowering motor to lower said container.

8. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, a hollow container for holding articles to be treated, a'conveyor for moving said container horizontally relatively to said tank, means for rotating said container during said horizontal motion, movable driven mechanism for raising and lowering said container at predetermined locations along said tank, a motor for driving said horizontal conveyor, an independent motor for driving said raising and lowering mechanism; and an electric circuit including means responsive to the arrival of said container at one of said predetermined locations for deenergizing said conveyor motor while energizing said raising and lowering motor, means responsive to the lifting of said container to a predetermined height for deenergizing said raising and lowering motor while reenergizing said conveyor motor means responsive to the arrival of the lifted container at another predetermined location for deenergizing said conveyor motor while reenergizing said raising and lowering motor to lower said container and means responsive to the lowering of said container to a predetermined level for deenergizing said raising and lowering motor while reenergizing said conveyor motor.

9. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a tank, containers for holding articles to be treated, means for moving said containers horizontally through said tank, means for rotating said containers during said horizontal motion, means for lifting said containers at predetermined points along said tank, means for driving said horizontal moving means, andinanmea dependent means for driving said lifting means, said container-rotating means comprising a rotatable screw shaft running along said tank and worm gears associated with said containers and adapted to mesh with said screw shaft in the lowered positions of said containers.

10. In combination in an electroprocessingmachine, a plurality of frame uprights, chain guides having trough-like portions along their lower edges attached to said uprights and interconnecting the same, sprockets associated with said uprights, a conveyor chain mounted on said sprockets and arranged to be guided by said chain guides, a plurality of work carriers attached to said chain, and means on said work carriers for engaging said chain guides to support said chain and said work carriers, said work carriers comprising brackets attached to said chain and workholding members pivotally attached to said brackets, each of said brackets having a plurality of spaced rollers adapted to engage said chain guides and said trough-like portions.

11. In combination in an electroprocessing ma"- chine, a plurality of frame uprights, chain guides attached to said uprights and interconnecting the same, spockets associated with said uprights, a conveyor chain mounted on said sprockets and arranged to be guided by said chain guides, a plurality of work carriers attached to said chain, and means including spaced rollers on said work carriers for engaging said chain guides to support said chain and said work carriers, said chain guides being formed with an upwardly directed trough-like portion along their lower edges for engagement by said supporting rollers, said work carriers comprising brackets attached to said chain and work-holding members pivotally attached to said brackets, each of said brackets having at least one of said spaced rollers adapted to engage the trough-like portion in said chain guides for vertical support and lateral guidance.

12. In combination in an electroprocessing machine, a plurality of frame uprights, chain guides attached to said uprights and interconnecting the same, sprockets associated with said uprights, a conveyor chain mounted on said sprockets and arranged to be guided by said chain guides, a plurality of work carriers attached to said chain, and means including spaced rollers on said work carriers for engaging said chain guides to support said chain and said work carriers, said work carriers comprising brackets attached to said chain and work-holding members pivotally attached to said brackets, each of said brackets having a pair of rollers on its upper portion engaging the upper portion of said chain guide and an additional pair of rollers on its lower portion engaging the trough-like portion of said chain guide for vertical support and lateral guidance.

13. In an electroprocessing machine, a plurality of standards having widened top and bottom portions, frame members adapted to interconnect said top portions, columns of variable length adapted to support said standards upon the floor, said framc members being adapted to form chain guides, a sprocket chain arranged to travel in said chain guides, sprockets for supporting said sprocket chain, rotatable containers for conveying work-pieces operatively connected to said sprocket chain, arms attached to at least two of said standards, rotating screw shafts .supported in said arms, and gears meshing with said screw shafts and operatively connected to said workconveying containers for rotating said work-conveying containers during the conveyance thereof by said sprocket chain.

14. In an electroprocessing machine, a frame, a motor supported by said frame, a pair of longitudinally disposed rotatable screw shafts supported by said frame, a plurality of rotatable work carriers, gears operatively connected to rotate said carriers and meshing with said screw shafts, a conveyor for conveying said work carriers horizontally while said carriers are being rotated by said screw shafts, a sprocket chain interconnecting said motor and said screw shafts, and idler sprockets arranged to guide said sprocket chain.

15. In an electroprocessing machine, a frame, a motor supported by said frame, a pair of longitudinally disposed rotatable screw shafts supported by said frame, a plurality of rotatable work carriers, gears operatively connected to rotate said carriers and meshing with said screw shafts, a conveyor for conveying said work carriers horizontally while said carriers are being rotated by said screw shafts, an additional longitudinal shaft supported by said frame, lifting means for lifting said work carriers at predetermined positions operated by said shaft, a sprocket chain interconnecting said motor and said screw shafts, and idler sprockets arranged to guide said sprocket chain, said sprocket chain being arranged to operatively interconnect said motor and said lifting means operating shaft.

16. In an electroprocessing machine, a frame, a motor supported by said frame, a pair of longitudinally disposed rotatable screw shafts supported by said frame, a plurality of rotatable work carriers, gears operatively connected to rotate said carriers and meshing with said screw shafts, a conveyor for conveying said work carriers horizontally while said carriers are being rotated by saidscrew shafts, a sprocket chain interconnecting said motor and said screw shafts, and idler sprockets arranged to guide said sprocket chain, said motor being arranged on top of said frame and said sprocket chain extending downwardly therefrom to said shafts.

ALBERT H. HANNON. 

